The Swiss Hotel School South Africa
About Us
The Swiss Hotel School in Randburg opened its doors in 1995. The curriculum and educational philosophy was modelled on that of the Hotel School Belvoirpark in Zurich where the founder, JüRG Vontobel had been Director for 10 years.
Enrolling small numbers of students each year the school quickly found favour with the Johannesburg hotel industry for the competence and “can-do” attitude of its students. Returning each year to his native Switzerland, Vontobel was able to maintain the currency of the educational offering adding elements and refinements each year. Through maintaining his contacts with Swiss Hoteliers and immigration authorities he was also able to establish work placement opportunities for second year students. Graduates of the School have been singularly successful in securing career opportunities both locally and overseas and form a growing reference group for new students.
Programmes
Hospitality Management
This three-year, full time diploma program that is nationally registered programme -SAQA 88583, a 360 credit, NQF level 6 diploma. Through an exploration of the main areas of hospitality the diploma program takes a matriculated school leaver through a basic understanding of the field to a level at which they can successfully carry out the tasks required of a supervisor or junior manager.
Admission
Students interested in pursuing the SHS three-year Management Diploma are expected to have achieved a grade 12 pass or its equivalent.
Minimum general admission requirements are based on the APS scoring system – adopted to bring The School in line with standard practice at University Johannesburg School of Tourism and Hospitality. This scoring system is only used for applicants who have completed the South African National Senior Certificate (NSC) after 2008.
If the applicant’s Senior Certificate was received prior to 2008, or if they completed a different school leaving qualification, or if they completed their formal high school qualification at an international institution, a separate arbitration will be made by the Registrar based on this qualifications’ levels of parity with the APS system.
Application Process
Applications are welcome from all qualified, interested students regardless of race, religion, national origin, or sexual orientation. The School aims to conclude most of its registration work by November each year but recognizes that with matriculation results being published in early January there may be some last minute activity.
Please click here to begin the Online Application Process
Professional Chef Programme
he Professional Chef Programme consists of series of modules which can be challenged on a one off basis or as part of a long term career development process. Chef Students will learn in the classroom, in our purpose built training kitchens and through work exposure with our long standing industry partners.
Designed for flexible learning the programme at its simplest comprises two years full time study, a third working in industry returning for a fourth year of part time study exploring Kitchen Management modules.
On successful completion of each course students will receive the following qualifications.
Year 1 – Higher Certificate in Professional Cookery – Fully Accredited
Semester 1: Kitchen Fundamentals – produce, processes and equipment which represent foundational knowledge for the aspiring chef
Semester 2: Hot & Cold Kitchen – developing theoretical knowledge required to work with a variety of different menus in a commercial environment.
Year 2 – Higher Certificate in Pastry & Bakery – Fully Accredited
Semester 3: Introduction to Pastry & Bakery – examination of the basic processes to produce consistent quality with a wide range of sweet and savoury products
Semester 4: Advanced Pastry & Bakery Studies – challenging higher level skills needed when working with sugar, chocolate and a la cart desserts.
Year 3
Industry work experience in a professional kitchen. The Swiss Hotel School will assist students with placements both at home and overseas. Students may at this stage elect to extend this work experience to better prepare them for the management studies which follow.
Year 4/5 Advanced certificate in Kitchen Management – in development.
Semesters 5 to 8. This two year part time programme requires the commitment of 2 school days per month and setting aside study time while still in employment. Ideally undertaken with the support and financial assistance of the employer this final element in the Professional Chef Programme tackles 10 modules ranging from Resource Management and Leadership to F&B Marketing and Financial Control
City & Guild’s external examinations
In following the above comprehensive programme students will cover learning material such that they will also have the option to challenge a number widely recognised City & Guilds of London external examinations.
These examinations will be charged separately. For information on these qualifications go to www.cityandguilds.com or contact the school.
Admission
Students interested in pursuing the Professional Chef Programme are expected to have achieved a grade 12 pass or its equivalent. Applicants considering enrolling for a single course may be accepted with a lesser qualification.Minimum general admission requirements are based on the APS scoring system – adopted to bring The School in line with standard practice at University Johannesburg School of Tourism and Hospitality. This scoring system is only used for applicants who have completed the South African National Senior Certificate (NSC) after 2008.
If the applicant’s Senior Certificate was received prior to 2008, or if they completed a different school leaving qualification, or if they completed their formal high school qualification at an international institution, a separate arbitration will be made by the Registrar based on this qualifications’ levels of parity with the APS system.
Application Process
Prospective students will be required to complete the application forms and medical certificate and return this to the campus with the following supporting documents: ID copy, Grade 11 results or National Senior Certificate if available, motivation letter and CV. After reviewing the application documents by the admission panel prospective students will be invited to complete an entry assessment and interview.
Applications are welcome from all qualified, interested students regardless of race, religion, national origin, or sexual orientation. The School aims to conclude most of its registration work by November each year but recognizes that with matriculation results being published in early January there may be some last minute activity.
Please click here to begin the Online Application Process
CONTACT US
For all enquiries, please call our main reception between 08H00am-17H00pm
*Please note as of 14 December 2024, temporarily our only operational telephone line is 011 789 9935 until further notice*
Tel: 011 789 9934/5/6
Fax: 011 789 9937
Physical Address:
Turaco House
33-35 Bond Street
Ferndale, Randburg
Johannesburg, South Africa
Postal Address:
P.O. Box 777
Randburg
South Africa
2125